(Photo)

Mr. Charles Elbert Akes, age 81, of Blair, died November 18, 2016, at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Living Hope Church of Blair, Nebraska. Graveside services will follow at the Pioneer Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday at the church beginning at 10 a.m.

Charles Akes was born on November 6, 1935, in Clarinda, Iowa, the son of James and Ruth Akes. He was raised in Clarinda and attended school there. On September 7, 1954, he was united in marriage to Joyce Freeman in Sidney, Iowa. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Tory and Tammy. The family lived in Iowa until 1977, when they made their permanent home in Blair. Charles was a longtime employee of Dana College, working in the maintenance department. Charles always put the Lord first in his life, and dedicated himself to his wife and family. Everyone was drawn to his gentle and loving spirit. He was never at a loss to share a joke with his family, friends or a stranger.

Charles enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandson, Samuel, and going fishing.

Mr. Akes is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce of Blair; daughters, Tory Steffen of Blair and Tammy (Bradley) Roth of Omaha; grandson, Samuel Roth of Omaha; sisters, Ruby Thompson of Ankeny, Iowa and Shirley White of Shenandoah, Iowa; sister-in-law, Mary (Ken) Lauridsen of Henderson, Iowa; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Lynn Steffen; brother, Eldon Akes; sisters, Pauline Scott, Thelma Severns, Nettie Bissell and Daisey Blair.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~ FindaGrave memorial # 185052648